When nearly 80% of the adult population in the United States say, "Oh, my back hurts," it becomes necessary for us to delve into the various aspects of diagnosis. We usually relate this pain to the neck, upper back, lower back, and tailbone but actually, pain in the back can occur suddenly in any particular place or radiate to other areas; it can be chronic, constant or intermittent. So how do we know which type of we have? Here are some ways to find out -

1. Physical Examination: Usually the discomfort of backache eases off on its own after a while. But if you do not get relief even after three days, it is better to consult your health care provider. diagnosis is usually done using a patient's history and detailed physical examination. The examination reveals reasons for the ache, its location, and duration under various physical conditions. During the examination, spine movement is tested and lower limb muscles are stretched. Previous records of kidney and pancreatic disorders also help in diagnosing conditions related to health background and age.

2. X-rays: These are done to check the alignment of the spine. Electromagnetic radiations take images of bones and internal organs and are generally painless. An X-ray of the spine, namely discography, causes discomfort and requires injections. This is recommended to identify the location of an injured disc. Small amounts of radiation pose minimal risk of damaging cells irrespective of age. The procedure could be over in a few minutes or take a while in case of a serious complication.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This is another method of diagnosis. It provides well-defined images of bone and soft tissue and serial slices through the lumber spine; helps detect annular tears, disc fragments and can even reveal infection and cancer. You have to however, remember that MRIs are costlier than X-rays and sometimes lead to unnecessary surgeries even when someone with a protruding vertebral disc does not complain of back pain.

4. Nerve Conduction Studies: Here surface electrodes are attached to the skin to monitor electrical functioning of muscles and nerve. The time taken for the impulse to travel from one electrode to another in noted down. This is used in diagnosis to help confirm compression of nerves caused herniated discs or abnormal narrowing in blood vessels. It is also used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a peripheral nerve disorder.

5. Electromography (EMG): Here wire electrodes are inserted into a muscle briefly and electrical activity noted visually on a screen. This procedure is quite painful and is recommended by a physician when a patient complains of weakness and numbness in the affected area. Muscle disorders like muscle dystrophy and nerve disorders such as peripheral neuropathy, nerve root compression, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are detected through this test.

Albertina Belmont

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